Seed Flow Sensor Control for Relative Speed Uniformity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seed and fertilizer distribution systems in air seeders lack precise control over the speed and distribution of seeds and fertilizers, leading to inconsistent application and potential bouncing or misplacement of seeds/fertilizers in the field.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system with pressure and particle sensors, along with an electrical control system, to monitor and adjust airflow and valve positions in real-time, ensuring uniform seed/fertilizer distribution by determining relative seed or particle speed through closed-loop feedback control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If optical sensors are used to detect seeds by breaking light beams, then seed detection is achieved, but the output signal is only proportional to blocking time and does not provide precise speed information

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseed speed measurement precisionVSAvoidspeed information loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary computational process that uses the optical sensor's blocking time signal combined with independently measured airflow speed to calculate relative seed speed. The sensor itself remains simple, but the intermediary calculation extracts precise speed information that neither the sensor alone nor airflow measurement alone could provide.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical speed measurement with an optical sensing system combined with computational analysis. Instead of using mechanical encoders or direct speed sensors on moving parts, the system uses optical blocking detection and processes the signal computationally to derive speed information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If airflow speed varies across product lines, then distribution flexibility is improved, but seed speed consistency deteriorates causing bouncing and misplacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow distribution flexibilityVSAvoidseed placement reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously measuring relative seed speed in each product line and using this information to adjust airflow. The system monitors the actual seed speed resulting from airflow variations and makes corrective adjustments to maintain consistent seed delivery despite varying airflow conditions across different lines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the airflow control dynamic by allowing real-time adjustment of airflow parameters based on measured seed speed. Instead of fixed airflow settings, the system dynamically modifies airflow to compensate for variations and maintain consistent seed placement reliability across all product lines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are installed in each row unit, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct flow sensing accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the optical sensor multi-functional by using it for both seed detection (counting) and speed measurement. The same sensor that detects seed presence also provides timing information for speed calculation, eliminating the need for separate speed sensors and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the seed detection function and speed measurement function into a single optical sensing system. By combining these functions, the system achieves comprehensive measurement capability without proportionally increasing the number of sensors or system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Achieves precise and uniform seed/fertilizer distribution, reducing bouncing and improving application accuracy by dynamically adjusting airflow based on real-time sensor data.

Implementation Method 1

When a seed or particle passes through the optical sensor a light beam is broken and a seed or particle is then detected

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12564123B2Method and systems for using sensors to determine relative seed or particle speed

Publication Date: 2026.03.03 PRECISION PLANTING LLC

AI summary

In one embodiment, a processing system (300) comprises memory (314) to store sensor data and processing logic (316) is coupled to the memory. The processing logic is configured to obtain sensor data from at least one sensor (150, 500) for sensing flow of a product through a product line (122) of an agricultural implement (100) and to determine a relative product speed for product flowing through the product line with respect to other product lines of the agricultural implement based on the sensor data.